Thieves Target South OC Store; 3 Arrested For Stealing $2.4K In Booze

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Three people were arrested last week after deputies linked them to alcohol thefts at several Orange County grocery stores.

Deputies initially responded to the report of stolen alcohol from a Pavilions store in San Clemente, and later learned that the same group was connected to at least one similar theft at a Ralphs grocery store in Lake Forest the week before.

According to deputies, the suspects reportedly entered the Pavilions store, took several bottles of alcohol and fled without paying — the total value of the stolen merch, Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla said, was estimated to be around $2,400.

Deputies later found the suspects' vehicle on the 5 Freeway and took all three occupants into custody.

During the traffic stop, deputies found bottles of alcohol, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, authorities said. All three were booked on suspicion of burglary, organized retail theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.

No further information was immediately available.